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Fiat Under Fire For Potentially Skirting Emissions Tests In Germany

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Fiat has come under fire in Germany for potentially cheating emissions tests with its 500X crossover. Reports of Fiat cheating emissions laws in Germany come shortly after it was revealed Volkswagen diesel cars had been doing the same in North America, Europe and other major markets.

According to German outlet Bild am Sonntag, the diesel Fiat 500X may have software that activates an emissions saving mode for the first 22 minutes after the car is started. Because the German emissions test typically lasts 20 minutes, the software would effectively help the vehicle dodge emissions laws in the country.

Bild am Sonntag says German environmental lobbyists found that a 500X with a cold engine was emitting less NOx than one that had been running for a while. This, along with a reported tip from German automotive supplier Bosch, turned German authorities onto the potential deception.

German transport minister Alexander Dobrindt said they “will need to carry out further tests on Fiat models,” following a recent test of 53 different diesel models. FCA would join VW and also Mitsubishi on the list of automakers embroiled in diesel emissions scandals if found in violation of German law.